We began our day visiting an artist with a disability who learned to paint and draw with his mouth. He is a real inspiration.
We then went to a local family owned hat factory. Paja Toquilla Hats. These hats are known the world over as Panama Hats, but they are 100% made in Ecuador. Some of the family had moved to Panama and when the Panama Canal was being built many of the workers wore these hats to protect them from the sun. When Teddy Roosevelt visited the building of the canal, he decided he wanted one of these “Panama Hats”. The name has stuck. All the hats are hand woven by local women.
We flew to Quito and settled into our hotel. We finished the evening with a taste of the traditional food to celebrate The Day of the Dead in Ecuador. They have a warm red fruit drink , Colada Mirada and bread in the shape of a baby, Guagua de Pan. November 2nd is a day to remember relatives who have died and to celebrate new life.
Tim & Kathy Simonsen 